Patience (Longsuffering)
The King James Version uses the word longsuffering for patience. Patience is forbearance—enduring provocation without seeking revenge, even when mistreated. As Joyce Meyer said, “Patience is not the ability to wait, but how you act while you’re waiting.”
We all admire patience, yet we often struggle to practice it. We want the driver behind us to be patient but find it difficult to extend that same grace to the one in front of us. From childhood, we hear sayings like, “The patient dog eats the fattest bone.” Still, patience remains one of the hardest virtues to live out. Charles H. Spurgeon wisely noted, “Patience is better than wisdom… an ounce of patience is worth a pound of brains.” Though widely praised, it is rarely practiced.
God Is Patient
Scripture reveals that God Himself is patient. In 2 Peter 3:9, we are told that He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. God patiently waits for humanity to receive the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Even when people are stubborn and rebellious, He continues to speak to their hearts.
God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Being slow to anger does not mean He never becomes angry—rather; His anger is measured and righteous. In contrast, human anger is often quick and lingering, leading to bitterness, resentment, and retaliation. The book of Proverbs reminds us, “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel” (Proverbs 15:18 NIV).
Patience Is a Choice
A little patience can save us from a lot of trouble. Many accidents happen because someone refuses to wait. Our fast-paced culture makes patience even harder—we live in a world of instant coffee, fast food, and high-speed internet. Everything is designed for speed, yet life does not always move that way.
I remember in the early 1980s waiting in line for over three hours at the bank just to withdraw money for my family. We had fewer conveniences then, and while technology has made life easier, it has not necessarily made us more patient.
The Bible gives us both positive and negative examples of patience:
- Job endured immense loss—his wealth, family, and health—yet he worshiped God instead of complaining. In the end, God blessed him even more than before (Job 42:12).
- David waited patiently for the Lord, and God answered his cries (Psalm 40:1).
- Moses, though known for his meekness, lost patience with Israel and disobeyed God, costing him entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 20).
- Saul acted prematurely instead of waiting for Samuel, and his impatience cost him his kingdom (1 Samuel 13:13–14).
These examples remind us that patience—or the lack of it—has real consequences.
James compares patience to a farmer waiting for his crops (James 5:7). The farmer cannot rush the harvest. He works, waits, and trusts the process. Likewise, we must remain faithful while trusting God’s timing.
Patience with Others
Patience is especially important in our relationships. Paul encourages believers to “bear with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). In 1 Thessalonians 5:14, he urges patience with everyone, especially those who are difficult, such as the idle, timid, or weak.
It is easy to be patient when circumstances are favorable. True patience, however, is revealed when it is tested.
Practice Patience
Patience is not just a virtue to admire—it is a discipline to practice daily. It reflects God’s character being formed in us. Every delay, every inconvenience, and every difficult person present an opportunity to grow in longsuffering.
We may not control how quickly things change, but we can control how we respond while we wait. Will we react in frustration, or will we rest in trust?
Today, choose patience. Pause before you speak. Wait before you act. Trust God’s timing, even when it feels slow. Remember, God is never late—He is always working, even when you cannot see it.
Ask God to help you grow in patience and be intentional about practicing it in your daily life. Because in the end, a patient heart not only avoids trouble—it reflects Christ to the world.
—Philip O. Akinyẹmi